Jacqueline Delano King Whitmore

Jacqueline Delano King Whitmore, 91, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at her home in Marietta, Georgia where she had moved in 2022 after living over 35 years in Ocala, Florida. 

Jackie was an amazingly strong, sweet, funny, beautiful inside and out woman who was loved by all. She was the devoted and loving wife of Joe I Whitmore Jr, Retired USAF Lt Col, who preceded her December 10, 2010, and are joined now for eternity. Together they shared love, guidance, and teaching for their four children; Shari Lyn, Renée Lodice, Gregory Joe and Gary Ray. The love only grew with the arrival of 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, as of today. 

Jackie was born on September 22,1934 in Chicago, IL to Gaybell Stricklin and Raymond Henderson King. She grew up as one of six sisters in Evansville, Indiana. She graduated with a teaching degree from Evansville College as a sorority sister of Alpha Pi Omega. It was here that she met and married the love of her life, Joe, July 1, 1956. They continued growing in love of each other, faith, family, friends, entertaining, travel and adventure; living in Texas, Canada, California, Massachusetts, Colorado, the Philippines, and Florida. Traveling to see more of the US, Canada, and the World was a favorite past time for both Jackie and Joe during their time in the Air Force and continuing throughout retirement with family and friends.

Jackie was a retired Marion County Educator who loved all ages of children but teaching 2nd grade was her favorite. Dear to Jackie’s heart because of the friendships and missions; was her membership participation in the United Methodist Church, Alpha Omega Pi, Officers Wives Club, various tennis and bowling clubs, member of PEO Sisterhood, a Philanthropic Educational Organization, and the FUMC Open Door Sunday School class.

Jackie’s Christian faith and family values served as the foundation for her love of family, friends, community and beyond. She was happiest when she was hosting; making sure everyone was enjoying food and fellowship. And if the occasion included dancing and the Christmas season, then it was perfect. Many people have been touched by her kindness and hospitality.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters and brother-in-laws Rebecca King Morgan (Reginald), Ella Jeannie Spinks (John), Anna Katherine O’Bryan (Arthur), sister Donna Ray Matthiesen, Joe’s parents Mary Lodice and Joe I Whitmore, Sr, and brother, Richard Lynn Whitmore. She is also now reunited with her first child, Shari Lyn and first son, Gregory Joe.

Jackie is survived and will be deeply missed by her daughter Renée and son-in-law Scott of Marietta, Georgia and son Gary Whitmore of Ocklawaha, her grandchildren and great grandchildren; Larry and Brandie Butler their children Nicholas and Andrew, Kyle and Katie Harris-Rains their children Julian and Leo, Ryan and Brittany Rains, Rachel Rains, Milani Whitmore her children Ava, Eliana, Riley, Isabella, Logan and Amanda Whitmore their children Olivia, Caitlin, and William, Ariel and Mark Thurston their children William and Layla, Garret Whitmore, her sister and brother-in-law; Joy Gay and Tom Halbig, sister-in law Cathryn O’Nan Whitmore, brother-in-law Dave Matthiesen, along with many loved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9 between 5pm-7pm at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home located at 910 E Silver Springs Blvd A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 10 at 10am at First United Methodist Church of Ocala located at 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd. A burial service and interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, with a reception at the Family Life Center that will follow.

Jackie’s family thanks the care partners and staff of Sterling Estates especially in The Grande Memory Care. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to the compassionate care partners at The Grande of Sterling Estates, 3165 Dallas Hwy SW, Marietta, GA 30064 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Association .